adminNgoni Dapira
THE time has come when Africa has to stop thinking it is a poor continent that needs help from outside, Rotary International, past president, Rotarian Rajendra Saboo has said.Rtn Saboo said these remarks last week Friday at Africa University during the launch of the Old Mutare Rotary Club.
Rtn Saboo was part of the 32-member Rotary Medicare project of the Indian team that was in the country since last week Sunday until Tuesday, offering free treatment to the less privileged in Harare and various districts in Manicaland.
Rtn Saboo said the African continent was rich under and above the ground, but lacked innovative turnaround strategies to value add its resources.
“You have to have faith in yourself to steer growth as a continent. As the saying goes, ‘until the lion tells its own story it is only the hunters’ story that will prevail’,” he said.
Following market-based economic reforms in 1991, India became one of the fastest-growing major economies. Present-day the Indian economy is the world’s seventh-largest by nominal gross domestic product.
Rtn Saboo, who is a reputable businessman, urged the Rotarians of the newly formed club to be proactive in their surrounding communities and not just be figurative members.
He said the two pillars to successfully being a true Rotarian were fellowship and friendship on one side and service on the other.
Speaking on behalf of Rotary International District 9210 Governor Kenneth Chibesakunda, the national country co-ordinator Zimbabwe North, Rtn Rosetta Peters urged the Old Mutare Club members to find signature projects in their surrounding communities and make a difference.
“We want Rotary International to grow further. Where there is a need that is where Rotary will go,” she said.
Past assistant district 9210 Governor, Rtn Job Torindo, said service above self was the guiding barometer of Rotarians. He echoed the same sentiments as others and urged the new Rotarians to be hands-on and not just be Rotarians on pin.
Newly elected Old Mutare Rotary club president, Rtn Jenny Muzamhindo said when she joined she was of the view that the Rotary Club was for the elite.
“We, however, learnt that as Africa University (lecturers and administrators) members, we too, can make a difference in communities around us through sharing our talents, expertise, time, skills and resources.
“Indeed all this, being done in the true spirit of Rotary, which is ‘service above self’,” said Rtn Muzamhindo.
Old Mutare Rotary club becomes the third in Manicaland after the Mutare and Chipinge clubs.
Rotary International is spread over 186 countries in the world with membership from diverse professions.
Zimbabwe is in District 9210 along with Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique.
Online Reporter